URL Stability Prediction for Secure File Downloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face resource wastage when downloading files as security software scans for malware only after the file is partially or fully downloaded, potentially leading to malicious files being executed or causing device malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that predict file characteristics by determining URL stability before downloading, providing file information to clients, including stability and reputation data, to help users decide whether to proceed with the download.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security software scans files after download, then malware detection capability is improved, but resource wastage increases due to downloading malicious files
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining URL stability and providing file information to the client before the actual file download occurs. This allows users to assess whether a URL is stable and likely to provide consistent, safe files, thereby avoiding downloads of potentially malicious files from unstable URLs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that acts between the user and the file download process. By analyzing URL stability and providing file information as an intermediate layer, the system enables informed decision-making about whether to proceed with downloads, reducing exposure to malicious content.
2Reliability
If security software scans files after download, then malware detection capability is improved, but download time is wasted on malicious files
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary URL stability determination and file information provision before the download process begins. This preliminary assessment allows users to avoid initiating downloads from unstable URLs that are likely to provide changing or malicious content, thereby preventing waste of download time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to skip the download process entirely for URLs determined to be unstable. By identifying unstable URLs through preliminary analysis, the system allows users to rush through the decision-making process and avoid downloads that would ultimately be wasted on malicious or changing files.
3Loss of energy
If stability information is determined before download, then resource wastage is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the stability determination function as a separate, dedicated component that operates independently from the main file download and security scanning processes. This extraction allows the stability analysis to be performed as a preliminary, standalone step that informs download decisions without complicating the core security scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the overall file protection process into distinct phases: URL stability determination, file information provision, and post-download security scanning. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently and efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A client sends a file information request to a security server, where the file information request identifies a URL from which the client is attempting to download a file. Upon receiving the request, the security server determines the stability information of the identified URL and provides the requested file information for the file provided by the URL. The security server determines the stability information of a URL by analyzing the file identifiers and URLs identified in downloaded file reports received from multiple clients. The determination of the stability information of a URL may be based on a variety of factors, such as stability of a URL over time, a textual analysis of the URL, and the set of files provided by the URL. A user of the client can review the file information and decide whether to expend the resources to download the file.